On the surface, it has been hard to understand what’s so much worse about Trump’s behavior with regard to Epstein than all his other longstanding morally bankrupt, execrable and clownishly stupid behavior that has not impacted his appeal with the MAGA wingnuts. Aligning with conspiracy theorists, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) recently told reporters that Donald Trump was “an FBI informant” against Jeffrey Epstein. Michael Wolff has reported that Epstein himself suspected Trump tipped off authorities, but if true, it would implicate Trump in knowing about Epstein’s abuse.

Wolff [links this](https://substack.com/redirect/7f63b8b7-8af2-4840-8478-2bea752b2d9e?j=eyJ1IjoiMWc2YWMifQ.Yfw835XmjiEPjhuf8oYm2SSqYmUUcmTlzkQqaMq8SXA) to a 2004 falling-out between the two men, when Trump bought a Florida estate Epstein wanted. Epstein allegedly threatened to expose Trump’s financial dealings (he was nearly bankrupt at the time and the purchase appears to have been money-laundering for a Russian oligarch to whom he indeed later flipped the property for a huge profit, after which the Epstein investigation began.

Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo [suggests](https://substack.com/redirect/2e282103-719f-4c63-ac14-b0b7bc1376b1?j=eyJ1IjoiMWc2YWMifQ.Yfw835XmjiEPjhuf8oYm2SSqYmUUcmTlzkQqaMq8SXA) Johnson’s remark may be preemptive spin, since DOJ files could show Trump as an informant–but that would also confirm Trump’s longstanding awareness of Epstein’s crimes and failure to do anything about them until the financial falling-out. Johnson’s framing appears aimed at portraying Trump as heroic before damaging details surface.

Trump’s circle seemingly fears what the files may reveal, Republican loyalty may be wavering, and Trump’s increasingly panic-stricken and pitiful moves to project strength (such as putting troops on the streets) reflect his growing vulnerability.